Beauty on the Backroads

Stories of grace for life's unexpected turns

Non-fiction

Hospitality made possible: Review of The Turquoise Table by Kristin Schell

I was both curious and nervous to read this book. Any book on hospitality or building community has the potential to overwhelm me because what I want to do does not always line up with what I can do. I worry about feeling worse about my house or my efforts when I read those kinds of books.

THIS IS NOT THAT KIND OF BOOK.

The Turquoise Table might be the first hospitality/community/connection book I’ve ever read that has left me feeling lighter and excited about possibilities. (Disclosure: I received a free copy of the book from the publisher. Opinion reflected is my honest one.)

Kristin Schell offers tons of practical tips and variations for people in all kinds of living situations to become Front Yard People. The book itself is gorgeous and hands-on with its color pictures, recipes, challenging questions and space for taking notes. I thought this book might take me a while to get through, but I kept turning the pages until I’d read every word.

And now my heart beats stronger with the potential for a turquoise table of my own.

This is a book and movement full of grace aimed at creating community in our neighborhoods, the very places we spend the most time. I can’t say enough about it.

Brotherhood & an ultimate test of friendship: Review of I’ll Push You by Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck

I love a good memoir, and while I have no immediate plans to hike the Camino de Santiago, this story of brotherhood and ultimate friendship was un-put-down-able.

Patrick and Justin are more than friends. They’re like brothers. They grew up together and had adventures together throughout their childhood. They maintained their friendship through college (they attended different ones) and after marriage, involving their families in each other’s lives.

When Justin was diagnosed with a progressive neuromuscular disease that eventually left him unable to use his arms and legs, Patrick was with him in a support role at each stage of the disease.

Their friendship would be put to the test with three words.

After watching a travel program on television, Justin told Patrick he wanted to travel the Camino de Santiago–a famous pilgrimage hike in northern Spain. Patrick’s response?

“I’ll push you.”

Over six weeks and 500 miles, he did just that, but he didn’t do it alone. Their story of brotherhood, prepping for the trip, and traveling the Camino became the book of the same phrase Patrick uttered: I’ll Push You. (Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the publisher. Review reflects my honest personal opinion.)

The story left me in awe of their relationship and I cried many tears as they recounted the ways people stepped in to help them accomplish what seemed impossible. It also reflects a relationship we don’t hear much about: an intimate friendship between men. While they are hiking, Patrick has to take care of all of Justin’s needs, and because of their friendship, it is a beautiful, humbling picture of serving one another.

In reflecting on their journey, Patrick and Justin paint no rosy pictures. They are honest about their struggles, doubts and fears. And their decisions to keep on believing, living and choosing each other are an encouragement to those who have difficulties and those whose loved ones are facing trials.

Side note: A film crew accompanied them on their journey, and I’ll Push You is a documentary releasing this fall. Check out the trailer here (grab some tissues first) and then read all about it in book form.